The Manifesto
The European Green Deal and the Next Generation EU are opportunities to trigger a wide-scale renovation wave coupled with decarbonized supply. In view of the expected policy measures, the Efficient Buildings Community calls for a stronger vision for building-related policies, a proper “Mediterranean efficient buildings action programme”.
Policy-makers need to acknowledge that energy efficiency in the Mediterranean countries relies on other parameters than in the rest of the EU. There are important differences with other Member States on the way we build, on energy needs, economic power and legal constraints. As a matter of fact, deep renovation means longer paybacks. Cooling, contrary to heating, is critical and essential in this part of Europe. For policy design, this means that there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Mediterranean issues need to be streamlined in the whole policy approach.
Buoyed by the on-the-ground experiences, the members of the Efficient Buildings Community ask EU decision-makers and national public authorities in Member States to take into account eight recommendations focused on public buildings.
For European policy-makers
1. Monitor the transposition and implementation of the buildings-related EU Directives to effectively identify synergies and barriers
2. Adapt financial rules and dedicate funding tailored to the Mediterranean area